Chesterfield official returning to Ga.

William E. Johnson III, a top figure in local government in Chesterfield County and formerly in Richmond, is returning to the Georgia City Hall he left a year and a half ago.

Johnson is leaving his current post as Chesterfield's deputy county administrator for management services to become city manager of College Park, Ga. A Richmond native, Johnson had left that Georgia post in December 2007 to take the Chesterfield position.

"The fact that College Park never replaced me and I have always struggled with not completing many of the exciting projects I began, I believe is a sign that I am supposed to be there," Johnson said.

Johnson went to College Park in 2005 after serving as a deputy city manager in Richmond for five years. He had also served as deputy county administrator for King George County.

"William brought a new energy and excellent insights," said Chesterfield County Administrator James J.L. Stegmaier.

Johnson's last day in Chesterfield will be July 2. The county will conduct a national search for a replacement.

-- David Ress